Obtaining Birth and/or Adoption Records

In most States, adoption records are sealed after an adoption is finalized. The adopted person, birth parents, and adoptive parents must follow procedures established by the State to obtain identifying confidential information from the adoption records, but they may be able to obtain nonidentifying information from the agency that arranged the adoption. This section contains resources that address accessing adoption records (including original birth certificates and other vital records) in each State, obtaining adoption records for an intercountry adoption, and finding and maintaining connections from foster care.

Family Search: Reconnecting Youth in Foster Care to Family
Casey Family ServicesConnections Count, 2007
Discusses the importance of identifying birth family members and engaging them in case planning with foster youth, as well as exploring the possibility of establishing meaningful and lasting relationships.

Foster Care Alumni
Serves as a central meeting place for people from foster care who wish to connect to each other and to use their experiences to advocate on behalf of foster children.

Mockingbird Times
Designed and written by youth who have experienced the challenges of foster care and homelessness.